V-FC Handpiece Combines RF and Vacuum for Facial Contouring

Image Credit: © Ermolaev Alexandr - stock.adobe.com

A novel V-FC handpiece, which uses radiofrequency (RF) and vacuum technology, was found to be effective and safe for nonsurgical facial contouring.¹ RF-based devices are known for reducing fat, producing collagen, stimulating fibroblasts, and increasing blood circulation.² The V-FC handpiece combines bipolar channeling optimized radiofrequency energy (CORE) technology with vacuum suction and targets different tissue depths at varying frequencies, creating a synergetic effect on the tissue.

“By leveraging the CORE technology, the practitioner is able to provide flexible, precise, and tailor-made treatments for both facial contouring and circumferential reduction,” the authors wrote.

The multicenter retrospective study took place at 3 clinics between November 2019 and January 2024 (Mimi Ehrenraich Aesthetic Clinics, Israel; Wolf Aesthetics Center, Israel; and Sinclair in-house). Participants (n = 33) had facial aging with mild to severe skin laxity and/or local fat accumulation. All were female between the ages of 23 and 80 (average: 51 years) with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes between II and IV. BMI ranged from 21 to 35 with a mean of 26.

The device was used once a week on the patients for 3 to 6 sessions. About half of the participants completed 4 sessions, but 30% did 3 sessions, 9% did 5 sessions, and 12% did 6 sessions. Follow-up phone calls and emails lasted between 3 and 52 months, depending on the date of the last treatment.

Investigators measured demographics, safety, skin laxity according to the Skin Laxity Grading Scale, and rate of improvement on a subjective 4-point scale. A blinded evaluator received before and after images and was asked to classify them. Ex vivo depth penetration and in vivo histological analysis were also utilized.

Out of the 33 sets of before and after images, the blinded evaluator correctly identified 91%. The average skin laxity decreased by 34% with a moderate rate of improvement (1.7 ± 1.1). The baseline skin laxity grade was 1.9 (moderate), which decreased to 1.3 (mild), according to the Skin Laxity Scale. There was no correlation between demographics like skin type, age, and BMI, and the change in skin laxity grade. There was also no relationship between the number of treatments and the change in laxity. However, a moderate positive correlation was found between patient BMI and the number of treatments (p < 0.05).

The ex vivo results showed that the average minimum penetration depth was 3.2 mm while the average maximum penetration depth was 11.3 mm. No signs of acute heat injury at any treatment setting, even the highest power, were observed in the in vivo evaluation. No burns, bleeding, epidermal shedding, or other textural damage occurred. Additionally, the number of filaments and fibroblasts increased 4 weeks after treatment.

No short-term or long-term adverse events were recorded during treatment or at the follow-ups. Immediate skin response post-treatment included mild erythema and occasional edema, which was to be expected. BMI and weight did not change 4 weeks after treatment.

The homogeneous, small sample size, short follow-up, and lack of a control group are potential limitations of the study. More comprehensive and diverse research can emphasize the value of this device.

References

1. Ehrenraich M, Wolff E, Grumer SR, Lozano OC, Vargas R, Belenky I. Nonsurgical Facial Contouring With a Novel Radiofrequency and Vacuum Device: A Multicenter Retrospective Study With 33 Patients. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2025;24(4):e70127. doi:10.1111/jocd.70127

2. Elsaie ML. Cutaneous remodeling and photorejuvenation using radiofrequency devices. Indian J Dermatol. 2009;54(3):201-205. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.55625